Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - November 22, 2008

NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1

♦ WEEKLY ♦ NOVEMBER 22, 2008 ♦

HappyThanksgiving to All! We Give Thanks to All Our Advertisers, Readers, Family and Friends for Their Continued Support Throughout the Years!

We Wish You All a Bountiful and Happy Thanksgiving Day!

VIEW FROM THE EDGE

LEGAL NOTES

WHAT OBAMA MEANS TO FILIPINOAMERICANS

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2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008

EDITORIAL

Start Saving Now For College esides retirement, saving for college can be a tremendous financial challenge for parents. According to a 2002 Trends in College Pricing survey conducted by the College Board, the costs for higher education have risen by an average of 5 percent per year over the last five years. When factoring in room and board, textbooks, supplies and other expenses, the cost can be intimidating. In fact, the College Board estimates that the cost for tuition, fees, room and board at a four-year public university by the Year 2021 will be $94,350 and $223,850 at a private university.

It may be tempting for some parents to delay a college savings plans and instead rely on grants, scholarships and low-interest student loans by the time their child enters high school.

Most financial experts say it’s a big mistake for parents to deliberately avoid building assets for college in the hopes of getting scholarship money. Keep in mind that loans make up a significant percentage of most financial aid packages, so without adequate savings, parents risk limiting your children’s choices and/or leaving them (and themselves) burdened with debt.

With costs escalating each year, it is essential to begin saving for your child’s college education as soon as possible. The sooner you begin, the more time your money has to grow. Talk to a financial advisor to determine which savings plan best fits you. Make a realistic plan and keep on track until you build the resources you need.

Paying for your child’s college education is an achievable goal. Hundreds of thousands of parents do it each year, and so can you. But you must start now!

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Salt Lake Boulevard or Airport? he dust had barely settled from the November election, when Councilmen Charles Djou and Todd Apo announced a move to switch the City’s rail alignment from Salt Lake Boulevard to the airport. The councilman representing East Oahu claimed to have finally seen the light and that voters had spoken in favor of rail transit. But, how seriously can we take Djou, an ardent opponent of rail who repeatedly attempted to sink the project?

As for the councilman representing the Leeward coast, has he already forgotten what a broken promise feels like? For years, Apo’s community struggled with a landfill in its backyard. Residents’ trust in government was violated repeatedly with unkept promises to close the landfill. Similarly, the Salt Lake community says that switching the route to the airport would be yet another broken promise, since the mayor promised to build the rail line along Salt Lake Boulevard. While the mayor has attempted to distance himself from this contentious issue, there is little doubt of his lingering influence.

The fact of the matter is that there were many voters who supported rail on the November ballot, believing it would run along Salt Lake Boulevard. We don’t blame them for feeling betrayed. Fortunately, there is still time for their voices to be heard, as the pros and cons of both routes will be debated for several more weeks. With the issue far from being settled, let’s hope that our elected officials will remember that reneging on a promise is simply bad karma.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER an you believe that 2008 is drawing to a close? What many consider the best time of the year—Thanksgiving and the start of the Yuletide Season—will be upon us soon. It may already be in full swing, particularly at department stores and shopping malls where Christmas displays have been up since Halloween and with Black Friday sales already enticing shoppers to spend.

Our cover story this issue, written by Clem and Jennifer Bautista, takes an interesting look at the rising cost of education.

From 2000-2008, the cost of tuition at Hawaii’s top private schools rose by an average of well over 50 percent. Inflation is mostly to blame for the soaring costs. The writers compare public vs. private education to that of riding a Kia vs. a BMW when traveling from Kapolei to Kaimuki. Same starting and ending point. The ride may be smoother in the BMW, but at journey’s end, he or she will still be in Kaimuki. Furthermore, the Bautistas argue that perceived benefits bought by attending a private school may or may not result in better educational results. The difference, they say, is more social, rather than individual, when one steps out of a BMW, as opposed to a Kia. Please read more starting on page 4 and see if you agree with their findings.

On page 8, we have a brief article on the Filipino-American League of Engineers & Architects’ (FALEA) recent installation of new officers as well as a special awards and scholarship ceremony. It is heartening to see more Filipino professionals advance and succeed in the well-respected fields of engineering and architecture. We send our heartfelt congratulations to FALEA’s new officers and wish new president John C. Ramos all the very best for a successful term.

There are many more interesting articles of interest and regular columns in this issue, particularly Immigration Guide, View From the Edge (“What Obama Means to Filipino Americans”), Family Corner, Legal Notes and Philippine Language. We hope you will enjoy reading them.

In closing, we wish you and your family a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued support of our paper. Until next time…

Aloha and Mabuhay!

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A Time For Thanks his year has been a painful one for quite a few who have been hit hard in their pocketbooks.

With the melt down of Wall Street and speculation that the worse may not be over, some are regarding the nation’s economic situation as the worst since the Great Depression.

Things are just as bad locally. Business closings, worker layoffs, home foreclosures, declining visitor arrivals and a billion dollar State budget shortfall are just some of the news headlines from the past few months. Fueling many people’s fears is the uncertainty of how deep the recession will hit Hawaii and for how long.

Yet, as Thanksgiving Day nears, we can still be thankful despite all the doom-and-gloom! For starters, be thankful that you can still draw your next breath. In fact, take time to jot down every little thing you’re thankful for. Being thankful can put your frustrations and worries into perspective and keep you focused on the many wonderful things in life.

So on Thanksgiving Day, pause for a few moments and thank God for His many blessings. Ask Him to continue guiding and watching over your family. And to always bless America.

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Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Publisher & Managing Editor Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Associate Editors Dennis Galolo Edwin Quinabo Creative Designer Junggoi Peralta Design Consultant Randall Shiroma Photographer Tim Llena Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan Columnists Carlota Ader Michelle Alarcon, Esq. Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Sen. Will Espero Grace F. Fong, Ed.D Mayor Mufi Hannemann Governor Linda Lingle Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Rosemarie Mendoza J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. Felino S. Tubera Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Contributing Writers Calvin Alonzo, O.D. Rowena Ballesteros Clement Bautista Linda Dela Cruz Constante A. Domingo Danny De Gracia Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Albert Lanier Ashley Monfort Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Glenn Wakai Philippine Correspondent Guil Franco Big Island Distributor Elmer Acasio Ditas Udani Maui Distributor Cecile Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Advertising/Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Account Executives Carlota Ader J.P. Orias The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829.

E-mail filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved.

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NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3

GOVERNOR’S COLUMN

Taking Bold Steps to Reduce Energy Dependency

By Gov. Linda Lingle t the same time as we embark on our focused, fivepoint plan to stimulate our economy, my Administration continues its efforts to increase our energy independence and to transform our economy over the long term.

Maximizing our use of renewable energy will help our local economy by attracting investment in Hawai‘i, and decreasing energy prices for consumers and the more than $5 billion we spend annually to import oil from foreign governments.

According to a DBEDT report issued in October, the amount of electricity that was sold to residential customers declined 4.6 percent in June, even as the number of residential accounts rose 1 percent over the same month last year. Similarly, commercial electricity sales declined 1.4 percent even though

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commercial accounts increased in number by 1.3 percent.

These statistics show that residents and businesses are changing their habits and being smarter in how they consume electricity in light of high electricity costs. They also remind us of the role each of us plays in reducing Hawai‘i’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

My Administration recognizes that we must lead by example in taking bold steps to dramatically increase our energy independence over the long term. The goal of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative that we launched in January is for our state to generate 70 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2030.

Last month, Hawai‘i received $1.7 million in grants to modernize the state’s electric grids to accommodate the growing influx of energy from renewable resources such as solar, wind, wave and geothermal. This builds on progress of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative and supplements the millions we have received from the

U.S. Department of Energy and private sector partners to increase the use of renewable energy in our state.

As the only commercial producer of geothermal energy in Hawai‘i, Puna Geothermal Venture has been delivering roughly 25-30 megawatts of renewable energy into the Big Island’s power grid since its facility went online 15 years ago. With more companies following Puna Geothermal’s lead, we can begin to catch up with states like Nevada, which currently has 10 geothermal power plants generating 325 megawatts of power.

On the solar front, the Department of Transportation recently selected Hoku Solar to design, build and install photovoltaic power systems at Līhu‘e Airport, Kahului Airport, Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. This project is part of a pioneering power purchase agreement that is expected to offset up to 15,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the system’s lifetime.

We also have made some important new appointments within DBEDT that will help to accelerate our progress.

They include Ted Peck, who after one year with the state’s energy office has been named the new energy administrator, the top energy job with the state, and Joshua Strickler, who has been named our state’s first-ever renewable energy facilitator.

The energy facilitator position was proposed this year by my Administration and approved by the state Legislature.

Strickler’s duties include assisting renewable energy projects with the existing permitting process; working with federal, state and county agencies to

streamline the permitting process for new renewable energy facilities; and coordinating energy projects.

Currently, a typical wind energy project in Hawai‘i has to go through 30 different agencies, which can take as long as six or seven years. With Strickler on board, the goal is to reduce the permitting process to one year, which will help to make our state more attractive to outside energy project investors.

To read more about the progress we are making in our pursuit of energy independence and how you can contribute to these efforts, I invite you to visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/energy. In addition, please feel free to send my office your comments and suggestions by e-mailing governor.lingle@hawaii.gov.

Na Hoku II

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008

COVER STORY

The Rising Costs of Education

By Clem and Jennifer Bautista

e stressed to all our children that they should leave home for college. To get away from home would give them the experience of growing up quickly and becoming independent,” recalls Mike Maglaya, director of the University of Hawaii-Manoa’s College Opportunities Program.

Maglaya has three children attending college on the mainland.

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Yvonne Kaya, secretary to the UHM vice-chancellor of students, echoes Maglaya’s sentiments.

“Our whole intent (for our daughter) was to stay on the mainland while she’s still young, stay there, get a job and travel,” she says. “She can always come back.”

Attending college, whether on the mainland or in Hawaii is always a big expense. As Maglaya and Kaya imply, the reasons for continuing formal education beyond high school are not limited to the classroom.

Living away from family is a way to develop certain personal characteristics and gain additional experiences that are often unavailable if one stayed close to home.

If we only consider classroom expenses, accounting for the rising costs of education might be a simple answer to what could be a straightforward question. A fact of life most of us accept, inflation implies the costs of desirable goods are always increasing. Education just happens to be one such desirable good that increases in costs. Before examining some changes in the costs of education, we should

start off by exploring what this desirable good is—and isn’t.

What Education?

A good place to start is with the narrow characterization of education as defined by William J. Bennett, former U.S. Department of Education Secretary. A prolific writer of numerous books on “virtues” and a frequent conservative television pundit, Bennett promotes a simple but misguided mantra of “three Cs”—content, character and choice—supplementing the well-known “three Rs” (reading, writing and arithmetic).

According to Bennett, teaching skills, i.e., the three R’s, are good but skills without tradition are empty. Therefore, Bennett contends that content – traditional stories and ideas that “we ourselves have loved” – plays a pivotal role in education.

“Traditional stories” like Call of the Wild, Treasure Island, Swiss Family Robinson and ideas like “liberty and equality” and “limited government” should be taught alongside the paranoid premise “that a large part of the world thinks and acts according to other beliefs.”

These limited traditions are

our traditions and should form the basis of our common knowledge and understanding. For Bennett, substance (narrowly and politically defined by him) takes precedence over process.

The second “C,” character, includes a checklist of behavioral traits: “strength of mind, individuality, independence and moral quality” as well as “thoughtfulness, fidelity, kindness, honesty, respect for law, standards of right and wrong, diligence, fairness, and self-discipline.”

Behaviors that originally seem reasonable, Bennett believes they should not be conveyed intellectually (through reflection) but through force of habit and by example. Easier said than done, Bennett is an true example of a pedant’s Hypocritic Oath – “do as I say and not as I do” – when it was revealed that he, himself, financed a $6 million gambling habit with income derived from his moralizing on virtues, values, and the apocalyptic demise of Western Civilization.

The final “C” is choice which simply means parents should be able to choose which school their children should attend. Bennett cloaks an authoritarian agenda in the free-market rhetoric that has bewitched our society. The irony of implementing choice has been the present administration’s increased control over public education despite claims for local and state governance of public education.

Bennett’s third C really should be deceit for persuading countless parents, policy-makers and educators that diverting funds away from needy schools and communities actually improves education for all Americans.

In contrast to Bennett’s authoritarian approach is the “learner-centered” experiential approach of philosopher John Dewey. From Dewey’s perspective our intellectual development occurs through the progressive organization of interactions between old and new experiences.

Everyday we continually

engage in new experiences, some of which occur within our families, some in schools, some at work, etc. For Dewey, this engagement is not merely individual and reflective but also social and constructive. While individuals must be reflective in reorganizing understandings of their experiences, individuals also impact their environment and other individuals.

Our personal and social growth – centered on our individual self – result from the constant reorganizing of these understandings. Since we always encounter new experiences, education should emphasize the process of reflection and reorganization rather than any specific content.

Schools and classrooms are one context in which this experiential engagement occurs. It remains a task of schools and educators to develop in students the appropriate reflective skills and make available to students opportunities that increase their engagement of others and their understandings of those engagements. In this light, teaching is, as Plato writes in the Republic, the art of guiding a student: ...education is not what the professions of certain men assert it to be...that they put into the soul knowledge that isn’t in it, as though they were putting sight into blind eyes.... [The] instrument with which each learns – just as an eye is not able to turn toward the light from the dark without the whole body – must be turned around from that which is coming into being together with the whole soul....

[Educating is] an art of this turning around, concerned with the way in which this power [of sight] can most easily and efficiently be turned around, not an art of producing sight in it.

The ancient Greeks or, closer to home, ancient Chinese were not illiterate Neanderthals.

In contrast, we often consider their writings as basic sources of wisdom. Thus, what we currently teach could not be superior to either what the ancient Greeks or millions of other students in the world are taught today. Being educated does not depend on technology, books, classrooms, libraries or even any particular language – any language will do. So the question remains, if education is the art of turning one’s eyes and body to see, take in and reflect upon one’s surroundings, why does it cost so much?

What Costs?

Public school education is an American ideal; schooling and opportunity for all has become an important civic, economic, cultural and intellectual objective for all Americans. But we didn’t always have public education— it’s only been with us in the U.S. since the late 19th century. Prior to that, formal education was a privilege of the few and “elite.”

Given this history, we might understand why public education has always been a battleground between differing social, political and economic interests. Like all American social institutions, American education has had to craft a balance between social equity with exceptionalism – the feeling of being superior.

By law, Hawaii’s public school system provides an education for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Not everyone may agree with specific programs, activities or directions of the system but because Hawaii’s public schools are centrally funded by a per student calculation, the system attempts to provide a similar opportunity for, if not quality of, education to all students regardless of where they live and what learning challenges they may present.

Table 1 compares actual

NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5

COVER STORY Table 1 Annual Cost Comparison, Hawaii’s Public vs. Private Schools 2000 to 2008* Hawaii DOE (per student expense): Punahou School (tuition): Iolani School (tuition): Maryknoll School (tuition): Sacred Hearts Academy (tuition): Damien School (tuition)

Year 2000 Year 2008 $6,193 $11,659 $10,400 $16,675 $9,500 $14,900 $7,900 $12,200 $6,448 $9,689 $5,650 $9,175

% Change +88.3 +60.3 +56.8 +54.4 +50.3 +62.4

*These figures compares actual public school expenditures with private school tuition and fees. In addition to tuition and fees per student, expenditures for private schools may be funded through a combination of tuition fees, fundraising, endowments, etc. and are not reflected in the table. Hawaii DOE 2008 figure is fiscal year ending in 2007.

Hawaii public school expenses with selected private school tuition fees. Actual per student expenses for Hawaii’s public school system in 2000 was $6,193. By the end of fiscal year 2008, this cost rose to $11,659, representing an increase of 88.3 percent. While this increase appears large, these public school figures pale in comparison to what might be the actual per student expense at a Hawaii private school. For example, tuition fees cover only 68 percent of per student costs at Iolani School. Actual per student expenses in 2008 would be $19,668 or 59 percent of public school per student cost.

According the 2008 Superintendent’s Report, 82 percent of the total Hawaii DOE budget ($2.3 billion in FY2007) went to salaries (teacher, counselor and school administration). Another 15 percent of the budget went to school support services, including operations, maintenance, safety, curriculum, health and transportation costs.

The remaining 3 percent was devoted to state and district administration.

In spite of many criticisms made of Hawaii’s public school system regarding fiscal procedures and policies, Hawaii’s public school system actually allocates the vast majority of funds to teachers and other personnel having a direct impact on students. Because a greater variety of students – in terms of abilities, disabilities and family/economic backgrounds – and political pressures – from the Federal government and the community – must be accommodated

by Hawaii’s public school system, it may be seen as a very efficient implementation of mass education when compared to private school expenses.

The rate of inflation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics between 2000

to 2008 was approximately 27.2 percent. This means public school increases were nearly triple the rate of inflation during this period, whereas private school tuition fees merely doubled. If all things were equal, this difference might indicate private schools are able to respond to

inflation more efficiently than the public school system.

But...all things are rarely equal.

Buying Education The core curriculum, i.e., content, of Hawaii’s public and private schools is, for the most part, identical and, as noted earlier, educating does not depend on content. On the other hand, how well the ‘art of turning’ or, processing information, occurs is critical and depends on, among other things, individual student-teacher relationships.

The quality of teachers may or may not differ, and there is no way to currently assess this difference. However, given the potentially higher efficiency of Hawaii’s public school system and its requirement to teach all students, regardless of abilities, what advantages does one get

by purchasing a private school education?

Since all private school students are already entitled to a public school education, private school tuition can be viewed as a surcharge to public school enrollment. This surcharge pays for any additional benefits – real or imagined – families believe they gain by attending a particular private school, e.g., smaller classes, more security, more discipline, better facilities, more classes, college preparation, ‘nicer’ students, religious values, ‘more capable’ teachers, etc. But, by paying more, is anyone getting any smarter?

In a way, this question is like

asking about driving different cars. One can drive from Kapolei to Kaimuki in a BMW or a Kia: same starting point, same destination. Is the experience of driving a BMW worth the additional cost over driving a Kia? The ride might be rougher and perhaps even (continued on page 14)

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008

IMMIGRATION GUIDE

Barack's Aunt Under Deportation· Ana Ngaruden Baroc?

By Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon aroc" is not a pejorative word for "Barack". It is the Ilocano term of endearment for "my young man." It is about the only Ilocano word that our gayyem former Ilocano Governor of Hawaii knows. His father used to encourage him "Agadal ka baroc" (Study my young man).

There is anecdotal evidence that Barack's father, who associated with Ilocanos in Hawaii, heard them call the young men "baroc". He probably meant to call his son "Baroc" but somehow the word was transformed to "Barack".

Most of you have not heard this because of the love fest between Baroc and the Democratic liberal American media.

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They elected him. "Obama's late father's half-sister, Zeituni Onyango of Kenya, is living in Boston in public housing despite a 2004 deportation order against her." USA Today, November 3, 2008, page 8. It was a British newspaper that first disclosed this item. She even contributed $260 to the Obama campaign, although federal law forbids foreigners from making political donations.

The Obama people quickly returned the contribution when the aunt's status was revealed, saying Obama did not know his aunt was here illegally. Really? Is she not the Aunti Zeituni referred to in Baroc's recent memoir "Dreams From My Father"?

Kill the messenger The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), instead of enforcing the deportation order, is looking into whether federal workers broke the law by telling the news media that Obama's aunt is living in the country il-

of deportation hearings. File a request under the Freedom of Information Act. News media are given preference. So, what law was violated by telling the news media about absconders?

legally. They say that her privacy might have been violated.

Susmariosep. As the Greeks or was it the Romans used to say when a messenger brought news that they did not like: "Kill the messenger". Or are the DHS folks trying to curry favor with the next President? In Ilocoslovakia we call this SSB (Sep Sep B. . .)

Absconder An illegal alien who has been ordered deported but has not departed is called an "absconder".

There is a criminal penalty of from 4 to 10 years for failure to depart after a final order of deportation has been issued. INA § 243. 8 USC § 1253. Absconders can run but cannot hide - forever. Look at Aunti.

Who says there is a right to privacy of absconders? In fact immigration is always looking for them pursuant to the Absconder Apprehension Initiative.

You can learn about them through various means. Log on to the internet.

Enter the name of the person you want to know about.

Go to Immigration Court.

Look at their daily calendar

What can or will Baroc do?

America is waiting to see what Baroc will do? This might be his first test of leadership and judgment.

He can whisper to a disciple to tell DHS not to enforce the order of deportation. But it would be bad for DHS if they kow tow to such a request. A DHS lawyer commented when we were discussing this issue that Barack is smart enough not to do this. There will be howls of protests from the thousands of absconders -- favoritism, denial of equal protection, abuse of power, obstruction of justice, etc.

A DHS official who is a strict law and order man with cojones and is not an SSB can beat them to the draw by enforcing the deportation order.

He can pick up the aunt and put her on a plane to Kenya. DHS does this very often. Is there such a DHS official with cojones?

Or Baroc can go legalistic.

After all, he is a constitutional lawyer. He can handle the case himself or hire an excellent immigration attorney to obtain relief for his aunt. There is some relief available. File a motion to reopen alleging ineffective assistance of counsel at the deportation hearing. Contend that there has been a significant change of country conditions in Kenya that now warrants political asylum. Invoke the Convention Against Torture (CAT) claiming that the aunt will be harmed if she returns to Kenya.

I can prescribe other relief but only if I know the facts.

Counsel should be aware that under the Immigration and Nationality Act, filing a frivolous asylum application renders the alien ineligible for any benefits under the law. INA § 208(d)(6). 8 USC § 1158(d)(6).

Or Baroc can go to Congress. He or a fellow legislator can file a private bill giving his aunt citizenship. This will be severely criticized, except by the left wing media who are fawning over Baroc. Private bills giving immigration benefits rarely become law. The

alien must establish that he/has done some notable benefit to the country or the community to deserve relief through a private bill. There will be cries of favoritism if such a bill is enacted into law absent evidence of exceptional reasons for granting citizenship. What has the aunt done to merit this extraordinary relief? The aunt is even taking space in a public housing facility that is reserved for deserving citizens, especially the poor or handicapped.

Of course, there is always amnesty in the guise of immigration reform. However, there are much more serious economic and security issues on the front burner. Immigration reform is not one of them.

Or Baroc can tell his aunt to voluntarily go back to Kenya and set an example to other illegal aliens. He can say to the world: "See, I believe in immigration reform. I enforce the law. I deport illegal aliens, including my own relatives."

His aunt might actually like it there. He can build her a mansion fit for a queen in tropical Kenya so that she does not have to live in the frigid Northeast.

He can provide her with servants, cooks, chauffeurs, and body guards, and all the amenities that she desires.

In this immigration wilderness, let us see what Baroc - an agent of change and a purveyor of hope-- will do.

(ATTY. TIPON has won all deportation cases he handled and obtained approval of all visa petitions he filed.

He is from Laoag City. He has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He served as an Immigration Officer. He is co-author of “Immigration Law Service,” an 8-volume practice and procedure guide for immigration officers and lawyers. He specializes in immigration and criminal defense. Office at 905 Umi St. corner N. King, Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96819. Tel. (808) 847 1601. Fax (808) 847 1624.

E-Mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Website: www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com.

Listen to the most interesting and humorous radio program on Hawaii radio KNDI 1270 every Friday 7:308:00 AM. This article is a general overview of the subject matter discussed and is not intended as legal advice for any specific person or situation Neither the writer nor publisher warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information provided herein at the time of publication.)

NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7

LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION

A New Era of Hope

By Senator Will Espero he election of Barack Obama is a juggernaut for all minorities across the United States. For those who lived through and remember the civil rights struggles and battles of the 1960s, this election is truly "a dream" come true. Memories of injustice and discrimination have been replaced euphoria and pride, not only by AfricanAmericans, but all Americans.

The world is also viewing our country in a different more positive light than before.

President-elect Obama's rapid ascension to the White House is a moment to celebrate, and his presidency will likely be watched, analyzed, and monitored much more than any

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president in the last 20 years.

For Filipinos, the election of an African-American, a man of color, to the U.S. presidency will afford us and all minorities greater opportunities which may not be readily apparent.

Some Filipinos may not identify with the African-American experience from the past, but their struggles and gains definitely benefited Filipinos and all minorities across our nation.

The advancement of one minority assists all minorities, thus Barack Obama's election is one to savor and appreciate.

The election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America does symbolize a merging of black America and white America. As the son of a Caucasian mother from Kansas and an African father from Kenya, Barack Obama has smashed through the glass ceiling of politics and will soon become the most powerful elected official in the free world. His vic-

tory over Senator John McCain signals to all people that the words "all men are created equal" written by our forefathers over 220 years ago ring loud and true in a century that will bring great achievement and discoveries for humankind.

The last six months proved to be a historical and expensive campaign ignited by candidates willing to be scrutinized by the media and public. Their desire to serve and improve the lives of all Americans is to be commended. The ugly head of prejudice and racism did appear in a microscopic vein, but the tidal wave of Obama support and energy overwhelmed any attempt to use the color of one's skin or the sound of one's names as campaign issues.

Many new voters participated in this historical election seeking change and a new approach. Our new president and the Democratic controlled Congress must now perform

and produce results for the American people. Expectations are high. Issues such as the economy, our wars, healthcare, and education will now be center stage. How these issues are addressed and resolved will determine if the Obama tidal wave will grow stronger or begin to weaken.

For now, the American people have spoken and voiced their opinion for youth and change. Our icon of hope, Barack Obama, has challenging times and issues before him. With his vice-president Joe Biden by his side, I believe America will rise to the occasion and re-establish itself as the greatest country on this earth. As Americans, we know

what we are capable of doing for ourselves and for the world.

With our new leader, HOPE is not just a feel-good word, but rather a reality just beyond the horizon.

The next four years will begin the Barack Obama era in national politics.

A new Camelot can emerge for us and future generations. Regardless of one's political affiliation, Barack Obama's success will be America's success. As Americans, we must now come together and unite for the best interest of our nation. It is now time for President-elect Obama's leadership to guide us in these trying times. The world is watching to see what will happen next.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Parangal At Pasasalamat

By Carlota Hufana-Ader

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special tribute to U.S Sen. Daniel K. Inouye called “Parangal at Pasasalamat” (Recognition and Appreciation) was held at the Philippine Consulate on November 6, 2008. About 200 people attended the event.

The celebration started with a processional hymn by Yorong Rondalla and the Fil-Am Vets Honor Guard, followed by a welcome address from Consul General Ariel Abadilla.

The highlight of the program was the “Putungan” which means “to place on the head.” This traditional way of welcoming and honoring visitors dates back to pre-Spanish times and is still practiced in Boac and other municipalities of Marinduque province and other parts of the Philippines.

UFCH president Eddie Agas and OFCC president Lina Longboy performed the “Putungan” for the honorable Sen. Inouye

Guests and honorees are usually received and welcomed with folk songs and dances.

During the singing, the host places make-shift crowns on the heads of the guests, as a mark of honor and distinction.

When the ‘Putungan” is finished, the hosts throw coins for the singers, guests and others present. Food is then served to everyone.

UFCH president Eddie Agas and OFCC president Lina

Longboy performed the “Putungan” for the honorable Sen. Inouye, while Kristian Lei serenaded him with songs.

Dr. Raymund Liongson served as moderator for the open forum.

Sen. Inouye inspired the Fil-Am Vets and reassured them that he would work on the passage of the Veterans Equity Bill. He recognized the hard work and courage that the

Fil-Am Vets displayed during World War II and promised to continue fighting for their long awaited benefits.

The event was chaired by Jun Colmenares of COVO, who also served as Emcee, in cooperation with UFCH, OFCC, the Philippine Consulate, Fil-Am Vets. The PCCCH donated funds to help defray the cost of the food.

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

FALEA Installs New Officers, Directors ▪

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he installation of Officers and Directors of the Filipino-American League of Engineers and Architects (FALEA) was held recently at the Grand Ballroom of the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki. The occasion marked FALEA’s 15th year anniversary and the establishment of its sister organization, the FALEA Foundation, a non-profit corporation.

Philippine Consul General Ariel Abadilla installed the following officers for two-year terms: ▪ John C. Ramos – President ▪ Elvi B. Pineda – Vice President ▪ Zosima S. Agraan – Secretary ▪ Marisol V. Tacon – Treasurer ▪ Nicolo A. Orense – Ass’t Treasurer ▪ William A. Rapisura – Auditor ▪ Angelie L. Legaspi – Business Manager

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Joey G. Resurreccion – Public Relations Officer Napoleon Q. Agraan – Immediate Past President.

FALEA’s new directors are Ramon B. Bonoan Jr., Eugene N. Calara, Jeoffrey S. Cudiamat, Vergel G. Del Rosario, Marcelino C. Labasan and Jojo A. Lopez.

Scholarship Awards Chairman and FALEA Director Eugene Calara presented 10 scholarships to the following students: ▪ Elvine Pineda II (Massachussetts Institute of Technology-mechanical engineering) ▪ Salvador Pagaduan, Jr. (University of Hawaii-mechanical engineering) ▪ Geoffrey Tran (UH-electrical engineering) ▪ Donna Gonzales (UH-civil engineering) ▪ Travis Hirayama (UH-civil engineering) ▪ Melissa Valdez (UH-electri-

cal engineering) Jose Legaspi (UH-civil engineering) ▪ Anthony Sylvester III (UHmechanical engineering) ▪ Marc Ragasa (Colorado State University-civil engineering) ▪ Alana Beltran (UH-architecture) The Outstanding Professional Awards were presented by vice president Elvi Pineda to: ▪ Jeoffrey S. Cudiamat of Structural Hawaii Inc. (Outstanding Engineer) ▪ Zosima S. Agraan of the State Dept. of Land & Natural Resources (Outstanding Engineer) ▪ Pedro Y. Guzman of Sam O. Hirota, Inc. (Outstanding Surveyor) ▪ Ernesto T. Endrina of Architects Hawaii, Ltd. (Outstanding Architect).

▪

The evening’s guest speaker was Michael Y. Magaoay, an Electrical Engineer with about

Gawad Kalinga Receives $8,500 Donation

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embers of the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association of Hawaii (USTAAH) donated a total of $8,500 to Gawad Kalinga, an organization dedicated to helping the poor.

The money, which was raised via concerts at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, Christmas caroling, individual solicitations and other activities, will be used

to complete the Hawaii/Aloha Villages in Mandaluyong.

USTAAH presented the donation to Gawad Kalinga Hawaii executive coordinator Sony Perez during a simple ceremony on October 23, 2008. After the ceremony, former State Rep. Jun Abinsay and Bernie Bernales were commissioned as ANCOP (Answer to the Cry of the Poor) USA Hawaii Branch officers.

Dr. Tess Bernales (left) presents USTAAH’s donation to GK Hawaii officials Jun Abinsay and Bernie Bernales.

ANCOP is a network of international organizations that supports the work of Gawad Kalinga in the Philippines and other Third World countries.

ANCOP offices have been established in 20 donor areas worldwide as the official international representatives of Gawad Kalinga.

What started in 1995 as an

Consul General Ariel Abadilla (6th from left) poses with newly installed FALEA officers and directors: (l-r) Joey Ressurreccion, Nicolo Orense, William Rapisura, John Ramos (incoming president), Jojo Lopez, Vergel Del Rosario, Jeoffrey Cudiamat, Marisol Tacon, Eugene Calara, Elvi Pineda, Ramon Bonoan Sr., Angie Legaspi, Napoleon Agraan (past president), Zosima Agraan.

30 years of experience with different companies in various capacities including management and as a consultant.

Entertainment was provided

by Aaron Agsalda and Randy Valencia, while group and solo dance routines were provided by the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association’s Telemarks and Royal & Waipahu Chapters.

Others who contributed to the festivities were Eddie

Aguinaldo and Miss Teen Hawaii-Filipina Jayna Obusan who did impromptu vocal solos to the delight of the audience.

The final and surprise performances of the evening were provided by the FALEA dancers consisting of members of the Board of Directors who did a special line dance and a Filipino folk dance. Noni Panen provided dance music throughout the evening.

initiative by Couples for Christ to rehabilitate juvenile gang members in the biggest squatters’ relocation area in the Philippines, has evolved into a movement for nation-building. Together with its partners, Gawad Kalinga is in the process of transforming poverty stricken areas with the goal of building 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in a seven year period (2003-2010). By providing land for the landless, homes for the homeless, food for the hungry and dignity for every Filipino, Gawad Kalinga believes the Philippines can slumfree and squatter-free.

dents from nearby towns for its livelihood opportunities. A big fire razed the community in December of 2004. Victims who did not have friends or relatives living nearby were forced onto the on the streets. In July 2005, the mayor awarded land to the victims. Those who could afford to rebuilt their homes, while others were forced to borrow from moneylenders at usurious interest rates. Currently, many residents are living in half-built structures and trying to pay off their debts.

As of September 2008, seven homes have been completed while two more are nearing completion. Construction of six units will begin soon and should be complete by the end of Quarter 4.

Hawaii/Aloha Villages In the 1950s, this section of Mandaluyong was a stone quarry area that attracted resi-

Igarta Arts Center Grants Filipino Language Scholarships spirit of the Filipino. Its trustees

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he Venancio C. Igarta Arts Center, a New York based non-profit organization founded in 1999, granted the University of HawaiiManoa’s Filipino and Philippine Literature Program a total of $10,000 in scholarship money for deserving Hawaii-born students of Filipino ancestry.

The money will allow the program to award five $1,000 scholarship per year to students majoring in Filipino language and literature for a period of two years.

Venancio Igarta, to whose name the Arts Center was established, was a “sakada” who came to the U.S. in 1930 and later became a renowned visual artist.

He left behind a body of work that was later displayed at the New York Arts Center and in various galleries.

The Igarta Arts Center was founded to introduce “contributions made by people of Philippine ancestry to world art and literature.” The Center sponsors activities and projects that promote the creative and ingenious

include Luis Cabalquinto, Ben Gonzales and Ninotchka Rosca.

UH’s Filipino and Philippine Literature Program hopes to pay tribute to Igarta by displaying some of his works. Meanwhile, the program is preparing the guidelines for the scholarship application that will be made available in Spring 2009.

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Ruth Mabanglo, Coordinator of the Filipino and Philippine Literature Program at (808) 5966970 or via email at: mabanglo@hawaii.edu.

NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9

SOCIETY PAGE

By Carlota Ader

Dr. Antonio Tan, president of Aloha Medical Mission (AMM) with Senator Daniel Inouye

Caroline Julian and Edwin Quinabo enjoying the AMM fundraising dinner at Hilton Hawaiian Hotel

JP Orias, Rocky Brown, Carlota Ader and Shalimar Pagulayan during the Aloha Medical Mission's 25th Anniversary

Dr. Ramon Sy, AMM's Lifetime Achievement awardee with wife, Elizabeth

Dr. Gary Dela Cruz, Dr. Nicanor Joaquin and wife, Imelda at the AMM celebration

Dr. Fred Pacpaco with wife, Myrla during the AMM's 25th Anniversary celebration

PHILIPPINE NEWS

MBC, MAP Want Change vs Corruption

By Michael Punongbayan / Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

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usinessmen called yesterday for national transformation and change to counter corruption in government.

In a statement, the Makati Business Club, the Management Association of the Philippines, and the Coalition for National Transformation said: “(Corruption) has become so extensive that the people’s and the world’s trust and confidence in the country and government have been irreparably shattered.”

The three business groups backed five Catholic bishops, led by Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, who called for radical reforms to rebuild the country economically, socially and politically.

“The world has not been oblivious to the culture of corruption in our government that is thriving with near-total impunity as surveys by reputable international agencies have shown,” the statement read.

“The dishonor of being the

most corrupt in Asia and one of the worst in the world compels us to join the call for redemption.”

The business groups called on President Arroyo, members of Congress and other political leaders to have the courage to use the remaining 18 months of their terms to do what is right for the nation and the people.

“We call on all other religious leaders, business groups and civil society to close ranks with Archbishop Lagdameo and the good bishops and be part of this movement for change, one that aspires for and results in good government and a just society,” read the statement.

“We can no longer afford to do nothing. In calling for a corruption-free government, change – real change – must come to the Philippines now. Our people, in desperation, can no longer wait.”

The business groups said corruption is bad for business as it worsens poverty, steals from the poor, compromises public order and safety, mocks the rule of law, encourages bureaucratic inefficiency, and destroys society’s moral fabric.

“Despite the many celebrated cases of corruption in high places, who in this government has been held accountable?” read the statement.

“Who has been prosecuted?

Who has undergone trial? Who has been jailed? Suspects are, in fact, perceived as being protected and even rewarded.

“We cannot understand government’s inability or refusal to wield its vast powers to pros-

ecute the accused.”

The business groups said corruption has become a moral and social cancer.

“The time for national transformation has arrived which should begin with the people as parents, students, employers, employees, seniors, professionals or public servants,” read the statement.

“Doing right by our conscience, the law, the people and

country is a sacred duty whatever our station in life may be.”

The business groups said a commitment to reform requires courage, not only to speak out against wrongdoing, but also to do something about it.

“It is the virtue that makes all other virtues possible,” read the statement.

“It starts with self. And it is only by our courage that we will free ourselves from the shackles of corruption and redeem our honor and dignity.” (wwwphilstar.com)

We'll Quit If No Polls in 2010 - Melo

By Sheila Crisostomo / Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

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ommission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo threatened yesterday that he and other poll officials would resign if there will be no elections in 2010.

“We will resign because when that happens, we’d have nothing to do anymore,” Melo said when asked by reporters about rumors that Malacañang is reviving moves to amend the Constitution.

But Melo believes there is no

more time for Charter Change since the presidential elections will be held in May 2010.

The Comelec is already preparing for the resumption of voters’ registration on Dec. 2 and the full automation of the 2010 polls.

Meantime, poll lawyer Romulo Macalintal expressed support for the proposal of the Comelec to hold a presidential debate among presidential hopefuls.

But Macalintal stressed that the debate, proposed by Comelec Commissioner Rene

Sarmiento, is not mandatory under the Constitution – contrary to earlier reports.

“It cannot be mandatory and be an additional qualification for a presidential bet. And I’m glad Comelec Commissioner Sarmiento agreed that it should not be mandatory but only invitational,” he said.

Still, Macalintal believes that such debate would be very useful in helping voters decide for 2010: “It is necessary to enlighten voters on the qualifications of candidates.” (wwwphilstar.com)

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008

PHILIPPINE NEWS

Call Center Lays Off 900 Workers

By Mayen Jaymalin / Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

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n what could be the start of a looming mass displacement of workers due to the financial crisis, about 900 workers at a business process outsourcing (BPO) company were laid off from their jobs.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the country’s largest labor group, reported yesterday that Advanced Contact Solutions Inc. (ACS) retrenched one-fifth of its total workforce after losing a major US-based client that filed for bankruptcy.

TUCP secretary-general and former senator Ernesto Herrera called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to immediately provide alternative sources of livelihood for the 900 displaced call center agents.

“The DOLE should ensure that the retrenched staff are absorbed right away by other firms, so as to lessen the potential severance of family income,” Herrera said in a statement.

Donald Trump & Co. to Invest $1B in Subic

Despite the displacement of call center agents, Herrera expressed optimism that such a case was isolated and not indicative of more turbulent times ahead for the local BPO industry.

“This is an extreme and exceptional case involving the loss of a key client that became insolvent. Other BPO providers here continue to grow their operations and recruit more workers, although at a much slower pace,” he explained.

But he admitted that firms across all industries have now become more cautious in rolling out expansion plans because of the uncertainty created by the global economic slump.

But Herrera said he is counting on the stronger US dollar and the weaker peso to

help BPO providers cope with the more challenging global economic conditions.

“Local BPO providers generate service revenues in dollars, but pay for their cost of operations here in pesos. Thus, the resurgent dollar makes it cheaper for them to cover operating expenses as well as capital spending here,” he added.

As this developed, the militant Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) also urged the government to look into the reported mass retrenchment of workers in the Export Processing Zone.

The group said a legislative investigation is necessary so that appropriate measures and assistance can be immediately provided to displaced workers. (www.philstar.com)

eal estate mogul Donald Trump and two other groups will invest more than $1 billion in the Philippines to develop a highend leisure facility in Subic.

The Trump Organization, which is the primary company of Trump, oversees nearly all of the business development interests of the real estate mogul—such as real estate, hotels, golf clubs and other properties.

The Trump Organization’s partners include, Korean firm Heung-A Property Group (HAPG) and Westgate Resorts Asia Ltd., for the construction of an integrated leisure, sports and entertainment facility.

The billion-dollar investment will be built on a 457hectare beachfront facility in Subic. The master plan includes several hotels, residential villas, retail shops, casinos, educational and medical facilities, a convention center, a water park and a spa anchored by a world-class 54-hole golf course.

The entire project will be

Donald Trump

done in three stages. The first stage is estimated to cost $250 million and is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2009. First to be constructed are the golf course, roads, hotels, schools and the convention center.

The second phase will cost $500 million. The whole project will take 10 years to complete.

Youn Jae Lee, chairman of HAPG, said the slowdown in the world economy will have no impact on their plan because they are adequately capitalized and are targeting high-end clients—affluent visitors from the U.S. and Korea.

(Good News Pilipinas)

NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11

VIEW FROM THE EDGE

What Obama Means to Filipino-Americans

By Carlo Cadiz, M.D. uch has been said about how President-elect Barack Obama’s presidency is transformative for the United States and its people. How only 40 years ago, African-Americans lived in the segregated South, the election to the presidency of this son of a Kenyan graduate student has truly inspired millions into a movement that made all these happen. Obama’s oratorical prowess and his program of change challenged much of the status quo even within the Democratic Party. He became the face of reform in the midst of a debilitating national picture. He embodied everything that is hopeful for a country that is reeling from the seeming collapse of the national morale.

The November 4th polls also catapulted a wider majority for the Democrats in both houses of Congress.

This means that the incoming administration will have a bigger elbow room for its programs, even those that would be too “Left” in the eyes of conservative Republicans. Obama’s capacity to push his programs will be vastly greater than those of Clinton and Bush II given the margin of the Democrats’ seat

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advantage this time. Issues that would have been too precarious like immigration reform, redoing the Patriot Act, women’s reproductive rights, stem cell research and major foreign policy shifts particularly in the Middle East seem easier to tackle now than ever before. And since Obama is largely perceived to be on the left of Clinton and even Carter, the audacity of this administration to push its agenda will be very evident.

Which is what the huge mandate in both the presidential and congressional elections means. Elections are always a referendum of existing policies and those that are proposed to replace them. That is what platforms and policy positions during the campaign are all about.

The charge to power by the Democrats in Washington will of course be tempered by the promise of bipartisanship. Just 2 seats shy of the filibusterproof 60, the Senate Democrats are poised to redefine the legislative agenda. The further fall from power of the likes of Elizabeth Dole and John Sununu also mark an ideological shift in the Senate. Even moderate Republicans agree that there will have to be a serious rethinking of where they want to be in the face of this onslaught. Like on stem cell research, or its unbridled embrace of the evangelical cause as the foundation of its electoral base and as a major component of its ideological fiber.

Above all these, Obama’s presidency is a major cataclysmic shift for a country that, for years has been leaning to the Right. It will and probably has already paved the way of a change on how the world views America. The United States will once again lay the ground work for a foreign policy that is much less unilateral and takes greater consideration for international opinion. Democratic administrations have traditionally adhered to a brand of international liberalism that foreign powers have tended to favor vis-a-vis the strong-arm behavior of many Republican administrations.

Obama’s pronouncements during the campaign always emphasized regaining America’s moral leadership in the world. Bush’s failure to form a broader coalition for the invasion of Iraq stemmed from this fundamental flaw in foreign policy.

On the more specific question on how the Filipino-American community will be impacted by this historic electoral triumph, nothing touches the cord of immigrant communities than immigration reform.

It generates much emotion from either side of the political debate. While the issue was

seldom discussed during the campaign, there is widespread expectation that Obama and the Democratic Congress will move, albeit slowly, to fix the lingering immigration issue.

Increases in family and employment-based immigration will be received positively by the Filipino-American community. Obama’s close ties to the immigrant community, especially when he lived in Hawaii and his own family’s immigrant background certainly augurs well for positive changes in Washington on this deeply divisive issue. The vitality of America’s nationhood after all has deeper roots on immigration than any other policy since its foundation. The broader issue of comprehensive immigration reform that includes giving some status to illegals will be a tougher issue to tackle, but will nonetheless probably be on the table. The previous strong opposition to the defeated bill in the last Congress was premised on its lack of border security features. Many of those issues have been addressed and the plausibility of ignoring this lingering issue is next to unacceptable. And Obama possibly realizes this.

After all, finally confronting this 12 million people problem is really just a matter of time.

On a higher plane, Obama’s victory opens up the door for everybody else. It makes it easier for AsianAmericans and Latinos to dream of someday becoming a leader of the Free World.

Whether some people like it or not, Obama’s face is the face of America’s present and its even more diverse future.

The Obama presidency revalidates America’s promise of inclusion for all those who still seek the American dream. That not only is the promise for a better life, but a much greater role in shaping its destiny.

Who knows, the next Obama could be among us.

A dyed-in-the-wool Thomasian, CARLO CADIZ finished High School, Pharmacy and Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Born and raised in a conservative, middle class and landed family from a Southern Tagalog province, Dr. Cadiz has been exposed to the politics and economics of both the rich and the poor, urban and provincial. He edited The Varsitarian, UST's official organ and wrote briefly for the Manila Standard, one of the Philippines' leading national dailies.

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008

FAMILY CORNER

Stretching Your Dollar: 34 Money Saving Ideas

By Grace F. Fong n these difficult economic times, many families find that they need to stretch their dollars to cover day-to-day expenses. As you manage your finances, know that many small actions can add up to sizable savings over time. Here are some smart ways to spend less. Get the whole family to adopt these practices so that everyone is working as a team. Adopt the motto that guided previous generations: use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without.

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Around the house 1. Repair leaky faucets promptly: a hot water faucet leaking one drop per second wastes gallons of water that you have paid to heat.

2. Install a flow restrictor in the showerhead to reduce the flow of water.

3. Turn off the water heater when on vacation. Install a timer on the water heater that turns it on and off at certain times during the day.

4. Get the entire family to turn off lights when not in use. Also turn off the television and radio when no one is really watching or listening.

5. Gather dishes or clothes and wash them in large “loads,” rather than a little at a time.

6. Hang clothes out to dry, rather than using a dryer.

7. Don’t use the drying cycle when using the dishwasher. Let the dishes air-dry.

8. Don’t keep the refrigerator door open when deciding what to eat. It lets out the cold air and takes in warm air that must be cooled, using more electricity.

Adults 9. Shop at thrift shops, consignment stores, or garage sales for household goods, toys, and clothes.

10. Eliminate or reduce consumption of alcoholic beverages.

11. Give up smoking. You’ll save in cigarette and medical costs and be healthier, too.

12. Look for and use senior citizen discounts, if you qualify.

13. Cancel magazine subscriptions, especially for the ones you don’t really have time to read.

14. Buy a cheaper line of cosmetics and hygiene products.

15. Look up numbers in the telephone book instead of using directory assistance.

16. Use the bus or carpool to work.

17. Pay bills on time to avoid the late fees.

18. Save pocket change; it’s surprising how much you can accumulate.

19. Give a gift of love for birthdays and special occasions—certificates for cooking a meal, ironing clothes, cleaning windows, gardening, washing and

polishing the care babysitting, and other chores.

Kids 20. Borrow books, CDs, DVDs, pamphlets, and magazines at any public library at no cost. Take children to the library’s storytelling sessions.

21. Exercise and enjoy Hawai‘i’s natural beauty by taking the family camping, on a hike, or to the beach.

22. Instead of going to the shopping mall, participate with your kids in community service by volunteering at their school, feeding the homeless, or cleaning the neighborhood park.

23. If your child attends public school and meets income criteria, enroll in free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches (application forms are available at your child’s school). Also inquire about free after-school activities for middle-school students.

Grinds 24. Buy store or generic brands, rather than name brands, for better value and lower prices.

25. Buy chicken and meats on sale, and freeze what you don’t use.

26. Review grocery store ads and plan your meals around sale items. Make a shopping list and stick to it when you go to the store to reduce your grocery bill and avoid impulse buying.

27. Compare unit prices (price per ounce or other unit) for foods, detergents, and other items. Bring a calculator to the store to figure out the cost and buy the items with low per-unit costs.

28. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. That’s when prices will be lowest.

29. Collect and use coupons when shopping, but only on products you need and will use.

30. Give up non-nutritional snacks such as potato chips, candies, and sodas. You’ll lose weight, be healthier, and save money.

31. Take homemade lunches to work and school. Use leftovers from dinner for a tasty meal.

32. Avoid or reduce use of prepackaged and convenience foods. These are usually more expensive and often less nutritious than fresh foods.

33. Don’t shop when you’re hungry or tired. You’ll tend to buy things you don’t really need.

34. Use cheaper cuts of meat. Make ono-licious stews, soups, and casseroles, and stir frys that combine meat with vegetables, pasta, or rice. * This article is adapted from “Stretching Your Dollar,” a publication of the University of Hawaii Center on the Family.

NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13

LEGAL NOTES

Son Deported for Marrying Before U.S. Entry

By Reuben S. Seguritan mmigrant visa applicants who are categorized as unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are not supposed to get married prior to their admission to the U.S. If they do, they become inadmissible.

But many get married anyway, usually upon the insistence of the parents of their fiancé(e). And they enter the U.S. without disclosing their marriage.

A lot of times, their misrepresentation goes undetected by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) until they petition their spouses and children or

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apply for American citizenship or do something else that catches the attention of USCIS investigators.

This is what happened to Rolando Manapa Federiso, a Filipino residing in California.

He was petitioned by his U.S. citizen mother in November 1986 as a single son under the first preference family-based category.

In January 2001, he was served with a Notice to Appear by the USCIS, charged as removable for his fraud and misrepresentation that occurred fourteen years earlier.

He went before an Immigration Judge and his lawyer asked for a waiver of his misrepresentation based on a law that provided for eligibility for this relief to the son of a citizen of the U.S. The immigration law al-

lows for a waiver of removal for certain aliens who were inadmissible at the time of entry because they used fraudulent document or willfully misrepresented a material fact.

To be eligible for this waiver, which is discretionary on the part of the Attorney General, the applicant must show that he/she is the spouse, parent, son or daughter of a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. On July 28, 2006, the Immigration Judge granted Mr. Federiso’s request for a waiver of his removal. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appealed the case to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

In its appeal, the DHS contended that he did not qualify for the waiver because his U.S. citizen parent died in 2005.

His lawyer, on the other hand,

argued that since hardship to a qualifying relative was not required as in other types of waiver, his parent need not still be living.

The Board of Immigration Appeals sided with the DHS. In its decision on October 23, 2008, the Board noted that it is clear from the legislative history, the statutory language and

its interpretation by the courts that the purpose of the law is to unite families in the U.S. and preserve family ties. It cited an earlier case which said that the fundamental reason for such law was to prevent deportation where it would break up a family composed in part of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

The fraud waiver was provided for the purpose of uniting aliens with their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent son or daughter who are still living or with whom they maintain family relationships.

Since the applicant’s mother had already died, he no longer has a qualifying relative with whom to remain in the U.S. Hence, the court issued a deportation order against him.

REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguritan.com

EMPLOYMENT

Is Your Employer Paying You Properly?

By Michelle Alarcon, Esq vertime and minimum wage rules are governed by state and federal laws.

Covered nonexempt employees must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per workweek at a rate not less than one and onehalf times the regular rate of pay.

Some employees and employers are exempt from these rules. But as a general rule under both the federal and state law, “blue collar” workers are entitled to overtime pay, unless an employee works for one of the categories of industries or employers not subject to the law.

Pay decisions on whether or not employees are paid overtime is not the employer’s choice – this is a crucial thing that both parties must understand. Job duties are the determining factor.

Employers risk fines and penalties for misclassifying employees with as much as $10,000 penalty per employee for intentional violation under the FLSA

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plus payment of any unpaid wages. A second conviction may result in imprisonment.

Here are some situations that may trigger some overtime issues: My boss changed my job title to office director and started paying me salary. I work longer hours but my duties are the same clerical office work. I used to get overtime pay but not since my job title changed.

Job titles alone do not qualify a position as exempt or nonexempt from the overtime provisions of the law. It is your job duties that will be assessed to determine whether you and everyone having the same job title are entitled to overtime pay or qualify as exempt under the law. Specific guidelines are used to assess these classifications.

If your administrative job involves some type of data analysis and decision making, it may qualify under the administrative exemption. Otherwise, if you work for a covered employer and your duties are purely clerical, non-management, the classification is suspect and should probably be nonexempt from overtime pay.

Most of the administrative jobs that fall under the exempt status

have some element of management, policy administration, or supervision. These guidelines are strict and specific. Check the department’s website for more details.

I worked on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Should I be paid overtime for those days?

No, unless overtime hours are worked on such days. Otherwise, the law does not require overtime pay for work on weekends, holidays, or regular days of rest. It is the company’s choice if they wish to give you incentives to work during the holidays.

I am a waitress and receive tips and salary. I sometimes work 12 hour shifts on weekends and shorter hours during the week. I feel like I should be paid overtime during the weekends.

If your hours exceed 40 hours during the covered workweek, then you may be entitled for overtime pay. Note that in calculating you hourly rate under FLSA, tips may be considered as part of your wages if you customarily and regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips.

I am a state employee, am I entitled to overtime pay?

State law does not apply to the public sector, however, em-

ployees of federal, state and county government are protected by the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the FLSA. Warning: The examples above are general and broad.

Federal and state laws are complex. A review of the specific situation and these laws are required before forming a legal opinion. If you want more information, contact the wage and hour division of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of Hawaii that administers the rules on employee compen-

sation. You may also find out how to file a complaint from their website or from a toll-free help line at 1-866-4USWAGE. This article is for informational purposes only, is not intended as legal advice and reflects only the opinions of the author on general employment issues. MICHELLE ALARCON is a graduate of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and her firm, the Law Office of Michelle Alarcon, LLLC, focuses on immigration law and employment law.

She is also a professor at Hawaii Pacific University teaching employment and business law. Visit her website at www.alarconlawoffice.com.

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008

PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE ILOKO

By Amado I. Yoro alpasen ti eleksion 2008 ket maysa kadagitoy nga eleksion iti eleksion presidensial. Ni President-elect Barack Obama ti sumaruno a presidente ti America. Ammo ti sapasap a pagilian a 'tawidenna ti sakit ti ulo' a pinarnuay ti sangkasaona idi sakbay ti kampania a "napaay a polisia ken administrasion" ti walo a tawen.

Kayattayo man nga agpayso ken saan koma a napasamak ngem nalawag a

N

Pakairanudan Koma ti Isangbay ti Panagbaliw ti Administrasion ni Kappili a Presidente Barack Obama "nailuges" ken nagdaramudom ti ekonomia, ket adu ti agkuna a gapu iti gubat ken ti "sobrado a panaggasto iti gubat" iti Iraq.

Agasem ngamin ti milion milion a doliar iti maiparakupok sadiay tunggal bulan iti las-ud iti agarup innem a tawen.

Iti mapadpadaanan a panagtugaw ni Presidente Obama kalpasan a makapagsapatana intono Enero 20, 2009 a kas maika-44 a presidente [umuna nga AfricanAmerican president] iti Mighty Nation, namnamaentayo a sapay koma ta main-inut met la a mapasubli ket bumangon ti "nadaleb" nga estatus a pinansial ti America.

Adu dagiti naapektaran

itoy a krisis.Sabali pay a nagsuekan ti ekonomia iti panagtayok ti presio ti lana ken gasolina ken krudo. Namnamaentayo pay daytoy a sanguen iti energy crisis.

Magupedna ngata ti gubat iti Iraq ket mangrugin nga agawid dagiti adda iti puersa militar? Namnamaentayo a dagitoy a banag ket sanguenna, tamingenna kas naikawes kenkuana ti kina-Commanderin-Chief iti kabilgan a pagilian.

Yes, We Can ! Nabatad ken positibo dayta nga slogan iti kampaniana.

Ala, ket namnamaentayo ta agbatay iti amin nga aramid ti pakakitaan ken resulta a pakarukodan ti tunggal kari

ken sao ken aramid. =====00000==== Iti pannakabotos ti umuna nga African-American president iti kalpasan ti nasurok a dua a siglo ti America, adda agkuna a daytoy ti panawen a 'naluktan' ti gundaway ken oportunidad dagiti sabali pay a puli. Hawaii-born ni Presidentelect Obama kas ipaneknek ti birth certificatena [DoH] a nayanak ditoy Hawaii, "State Department of Health declares Obama birth certificate legal" [Associated press] Adda dagiti nainspiraran gapu iti pannakabigbigna nga anak ti Hawaii.Saan met a mal-

ibak nga adda dagiti kadaraan a mabalin a mapagraem ken mangsaludo iti linasatna a 'sagatan' ti panawen ken ti eleksion. Ngem iti sabali a bangir, kasla man la tinagibassit ti sumagmamamo.

[Malagipmi ni Peter iti Biblia, namintallo daras nga inlibakna ni Jesus idi mapagsaludsodan a maysa kadagiti sumursurot ken Jesus.

Nailibaken ni Peter a 'saanna nga am-ammo ni Jesus iti namitlo sakbay a nagtaraok ti kawitan"] Panangilemmeng.

Panaginkukuna. Simumulagat a matmaturog. Apay nga adda panaglibak? Ay Angkuan.

Agriingkan!

COVER STORY (CONT.) (from page 5, The Rising...)

riskier in a Kia, but when one steps out of either car, you’re still in Kaimuki.

Buying a car is often not a rational consideration; it cannot be reduced to cost efficiency – neither is buying an education.

Unless the added benefits of private schooling are universal (as

they are in public schools), they will always defy quantitative evaluation. Moreover, confirming the economic law of diminishing returns, each additional upgrade boosting a product’s perceived quality costs more than previous upgrades.

The perceived benefits bought by attending a private

school may or may not result in actual increases in educational results – the research on this difference is neither conclusive nor in agreement. But, returning to our driving analogy, once in Kaimuki, there is a social, rather than individual, difference in stepping out of a BMW versus stepping out of a Kia. For whom

this difference is important illustrates the larger context in which education is imbedded.

Sorting, Screening and Selection In America and in Hawaii, education and educating take place in a society wrestling with conflicting goals of social equality and exceptionalism.

While some schooling is provided universally, other schooling is provided exclusively. This ‘sorting’ of students (and, in effect, their families) not only occurs between public and private schools but also, to a lesser degree, within these schools. Sometimes student ‘achievement’ promotes sorting but, more often than not, different family income levels and self-conceptions play vital roles in creating expectations. Since no family is an island, how this sorting is realized and subsequently utilized depends on society’s priorities.

For example, economist Kenneth Arrow has advanced

the theory that higher education, when viewed as a component of society’s labor market, “serves as a screening device, in that it sorts out individuals of differing abilities, thereby conveying information to the purchasers of labor.”

According to Arrow, individual testing of applicants to assess their abilities is costly for purchasers of labor. So instead of searching for and testing each individual, purchasers of labor substitute the various selection activities of higher education institutions for this assessment.

Individuals looking for work either have or do not have a college degree. If they have a college degree, the type and source of degree can be used for further sorting. This understanding of this sorting mechanism is not lost on the general population for many families and school counselors know that different colleges possess various reputations which, in (continued on page 15)

Table 2 Annual Tuition & Fees Comparison of Selected Colleges and Universities 2000 to 2008 Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa (resident) Santa Clara University Stanford University UCLA (non-resident) University of Southern California Willamette College Yale University

Year 2000 Year 2008 % Change $3,024 $6,258 +106.9 $20,577 $34,950 +69.8 $24,441 $35,225 +44.1 $13,656 $28,162 +106.2 $23,664 $37,544 +58.7 $22,422 $33,960 +51.5 $25,220 $34,530 +36.9

NOVEMBER 22, 2008 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15

CLASSIFIED ADS 2 HOUSES-OHANA STYLE 3/1 w/full basement, 2/1 w/lrg lanai, Kalihi Vly, $609,000, call 847-6613

HELP WANTED NOODLE MAKER. PART- TIME

NEED EXPERIENCED BABY SITTER

Health Benefits.

Island Noodle Apply in Person at 841-8664

for infant in my Ewa Beach home, 4 days/week, Call 554-7444

NEED EXPERIENCED BABY SITTER for infant in my Ewa Beach home.

4 days/week. Call 554-7444

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Outside Sales Service estab'd accounts in textile industry. Must have general office and computer skills. Offer full benefits Call 486-7772 ext 21 or info@printexfabrics.com

FOR RENT Rooms for rent in Pearl City. $500 and $750 share bath and kitchen. Utilities and cable included female preferred. 295-5232.

Call Lynn Chang at 295-1351

NEED EXPERIENCED BABY SITTER 2 Houses, 3/1, 2/1, Kalihi Vly Full basement, $609000(847-6613)

I NEED HELP Elder care/domestic, in exchange for room in my Ewa home.Must be reliable /female.

Please contact Lynn at 271-0885

HANDIRIDE HAWAII TRANSPORTATION, looking for a full time Driver, must be pleasant and reliable. Call 486-7433

NEED SALESPERSON w/ Real Estate, Mortgage, Insurance Background for Mortgage Reduction Sales.

Salary + Comm. Call: 227-7181

JEWELRY COMPANY BUYING GOLD AND OLD JEWELRY Top dollar for gold, old jewelry and Rolex watches.

Call: 225-7637

SUPER CLEAN Residential and Commercial Part time cleaners on call: $10/hr Call 741-4244 or e-mail info@superclean.us

NON-MEDICAL CAREGIVERS WANTED In-house training program for non-certified candidates. CNA & HHA welcomed.

Part time and full time positions available.

Contact: Lynn at Aloha Home Care Services Phone: 271-0885

COVER STORY (CONT.) (from page 14, The Rising...)

turn, become labels attached to graduates.

Table 2 clearly shows public university tuition and fees remain lower than private institutions but have dramatically increased over the past eight years. While private colleges increased their tuition 2-3 times the rate of inflation, public institutions increased at nearly 4 times the rate of inflation. As in lower education, this difference is due, in part, to decreased funding from local governments.

Higher education is not immune from the contradiction between equality and exceptionalism, and while the UH-Manoa serves the largest number of Hawaii residents at a fraction of the cost at a comparable private institution, it does not have an open-admissions policy. UH-Manoa also sorts.

UH-Manoa’s selectivity as well as that of other universities serves to screen and sort a population – America’s college-going population – into groups which purportedly have specific skills

and/or characteristics. This “educational” sorting and screening for the labor market only ends at the university level – it started years before in elementary school.

At a fundamental level education is a process of self-development, of learning how to do something to or with different things. Unfortunately, it does not stop there. Formal education has come to play a vital role in our society’s desire to differentiate, i.e., to separate the Haves from the Have-Nots – and, more perversely, as Pres. Bush relates, the Haves from the Have-Mores.

The rising costs of education is not simply a result of keeping up with inflation. It is, unavoidably, a reflection and unfolding of “keeping up with the Jones’s.” For if the Jones’s have the good jobs, the good pay and high status, whatever got them those jobs, pay and status is what ultimately becomes desirable. For many of us that desire is fulfilled in furthering one’s education, regardless of cost. And for our desire, the market responds.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTENTION: FILIPINO ORGANIZATIONS & NON-PROFITS Have your Community Event Published in our Calendar!

FAX YOUR PRESS RELEASE TO 678-1829 E-MAIL YOUR NEWS RELEASES, ORGANIZATION NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS TO

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16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 22, 2008